Barbie event issues refunds after comparison with infamous Glasgow convention

The organiser of a Barbie event in Florida is issuing refunds after photos from attendees drew mockery on social media – and a very unflattering comparison.

Barbie Dream Fest in Fort Lauderdale promised an interactive dream house, roller-skating party, fashion show, workshops, and more, with tickets ranging from $69 (£52) to $449 (£340).

But it didn't meet expectations for some fans, with the line-up of attractions – providing shots of pink in an otherwise rather dour-looking convention centre – being compared to an infamous Willy Wonka event in Glasgow.

That disastrous dedication to one of literature's most recognisable characters also saw refunds issued. Children were even left in tears, and police were called too.

There was no such intervention at Fort Lauderdale but one Barbie fan said on social media: "We got Wonka'd!"

A spokesperson for Mattel, which owns Barbie, has acknowledged the reaction after some attendees told Sky's US partner network NBC News of their experience.

'Not the calibre of Barbie'

Brenna Miller, who paid nearly $500 (£379) for a VIP, three-day "Dream Pass", said the advertised dream house was nothing more than a 10ft tall cardboard cutout.

The roller-skating "rink", she said, was essentially an "animal pen" with sheets that said "roller disco". It only accommodated children, when promotional material had suggested adults could take part, she added.

"This was not the calibre of Barbie at all," she said.

Alexandria Dougan, 33, attended with her sister and niece, who was celebrating her seventh birthday.

Each adult spent $70 (£53) for a day pass and $30 (£23) for her niece, but they all left after about an hour.

Ms Dougan said the "humongous" hall was too big for the number of displays. Her niece was unable to experience the bike course because the only bicycles available were too small. The bigger ones had all broken.

She told NBC: "There should have been some type of overseeing of events or backup plan to make sure it is what you posted on social media, because it was not that."

What have organisers said?

In a statement to NBC News, a spokesperson for Mattel said the event was "created by Mischief Management, which licensed the Barbie brand from Mattel".

"We are working with Mischief Management, who are managing attendee feedback and issuing full refunds to everyone who purchased tickets," they added.

"We want every fan experience to be an excellent one."

Mischief Management confirmed it will be providing full refunds and thanked those who attended.

"Mischief Management is incredibly grateful to everyone who joined Barbie Dream Fest," the statement said.

"Bringing fans together - alongside Barbie role models, designers, partners, and global icons who embody the true spirit of Barbie - was at the heart of this event.

"Barbie Dream Fest was created as an intimate fan convention designed to foster meaningful connection, inspiration, and closer access to Barbie and her world."

(c) Sky News 2026: Barbie event issues refunds after comparison with infamous Glasgow convention